Women's bikes

ratherbeskiing

Hi!

So I am thinking about training for a sprint Tri... I was wondering what kind of bike people suggested. I am not looking for the top of the line $5000 bike. Just a decent bike that I wont get laughed at for having a bad bike (preferable nice look- I am still a girl). Any suggestions??!?!?

I am 5'4... I don't know what other information you would need. Any suggestions would be wonderful.
Thanks!
Hilary :flowerforyou:

wellbert

What is your actual budget? What type of bikes have you had and liked before?
Do you have all the other gear? cleats, pedals, chamois...

Stuff gets expensive. I bought an entry level cannondale for $1499..
then $200 for two bibs. Still don't have a proper jersey.
$80 in toolkit /accessories(co2 pump, spare tube, levers, etc)
$220 in shoes and pedals

it adds up QUICK.


There are a lot of really nice entry level road bikes. Get Shimano 105 at the least if it's in your budget.

VanessaGS

Try going to a bike shop. They specialize in that stuff and you call tell them what you're looking for and they can recommend some stuff.

Fit4_Life

Schwinn bikes are a good brand. Pretty reasonable priced. Watch out for Walmart brand bikes. The forks that hold the front tire, are weak and known to break. Search reviews on bikes before purchasing.

myofibril

I suggest setting your budget first and then looking round to see what suits your goals best.

sipseyab

I would suggest posting this question at this forum: www.roadbikereview.com There are many knowledgeable cyclists on that forum. You might do a search first, since this is a question asked frequently by newbies. My own advice is to go to a bike shop to get fitted (about $100), then take those measurements and buy a used bike. You can get a much nicer bike for the same amount of money if you buy used.

Oh, and not sure where you're located, but I have a 2003 Quintana Roo tri bike for sale. It's a 53 cm.

zoom2

What is your actual budget? What type of bikes have you had and liked before?
Do you have all the other gear? cleats, pedals, chamois...

Stuff gets expensive. I bought an entry level cannondale for $1499..
then $200 for two bibs. Still don't have a proper jersey.
$80 in toolkit /accessories(co2 pump, spare tube, levers, etc)
$220 in shoes and pedals

it adds up QUICK.


There are a lot of really nice entry level road bikes. Get Shimano 105 at the least if it's in your budget.

Ditto Shimano 105 or SRAM Apex (I'm personally not a fan of Shimano, but love my SRAM bikes--I have Apex on one and Rival on the other).

A decent entry-level road bike (aluminum frame with carbon fork and good quality components) will likely run you at least $1000. You could save money by buying used, but for a first bike it's a MUCH better idea to be professionally fit at an actual bike shop. If the bike doesn't fit it will cause you pain and potentially injure...not worth any money saved. Plus a new bike will come with a warranty and most bike shops will included a certain amount of service/adjustments for the first year.

wellbert

...why would you pay for a fit on a different bike then buy a used one? If you just want to find out what general size works for you, you can find out for free very easily.

Get a fit after you buy your bike.

thcri

Have an idea on how much you want to spend and then visit two or three of your Local Bike Shops. Tell them what you are planning on doing and they will help you out. Make a list of questions to ask each and plan on going back to each of them. Eventually you will learn to like and trust one of them dealers over the others.

I have a Trek but am not brand specific. As others have said a Shamano 105 or better is key and I don't care what brand it is, it is no good without a good dealer to back you up and support you. And have a professional fit.

sipseyab

...why would you pay for a fit on a different bike then buy a used one? If you just want to find out what general size works for you, you can find out for free very easily.

Get a fit after you buy your bike.

Some bike shops have a computerized sizing program that is done on an adjustable spin-type bike. It give you the measurements and set up that is the most comfortable for you. Many people buy used bikes online (ebay, Craigslist). Having close measurements like this can match you up with a near perfect bike without having to ride it first.